County picks new attorney

The county Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday they will appoint Sarah Carrillo as County Counsel. Carrillo, 36, will replace Gregory Oliver, who will officially retire as the head of the counsel office on March 12.

The board made the decision in closed session after discussing the position. The official board vote and appointment will be scheduled for March 5, and Carrillo will take office March 13 and be sworn in March 19.

Carrillo, now deputy county counsel, has worked in the Tuolumne County office for eight years, and has served as acting counsel when Oliver has not been in the office.

Carrillo has handled work for the Board of Supervisors, as well as Sheriff’s Office, Grand Jury, Department of Social Services and other agencies within the county.

She is a Sonora native.

As county counsel, she will act as top legal adviser and representation for the board and county government, serving directly under the board. She will also oversee the office staff, which currently includes two deputy attorneys and one assistant, and will compile the department budget.

Carrillo said on Tuesday that her lifelong connection to Tuolumne County influenced her decision to apply for the job.

“Serving this county and doing public entity law is just a passion,” she said.

Oliver leaves the position making about $140,000 annually, while the deputy counsel positions’ total salary and benefits are between approximately $92,000 and $97,000.